Aldo Group Inc. came under scrutiny in New York after an undercover investigator discovered that not only did the store's job application include a question about criminal background but a hiring manager reportedly said any candidate with a felony would not be considered.

These criteria, in addition to the alleged dissemination of information to hiring managers that felons need not apply, led to a fine from the New York Attorney General's Office in June, the latest in a string of enforcement actions from that office.

The international retailer of handbags and accessories paid $120,000, one of five recent New York attorney general settlements involving alleged violations of so-called “ban the box” regulations. The settlement also required the company to take steps to comply with state laws that prohibit discrimination against job applicants with criminal records.The Attorney General's Office has entered into agreements with Marshalls, Big Lots Stores Inc., Party City and Bed Bath & Beyond.